2016 marks the 20th anniversary for Germany-based metal label AFM Records. Being in the business for two decades now and working with the “who's who” of the scene, the company is proud to present a special compilation of highlights and new tracks titled “20 Years - Metal Addiction."

Of course all the big names who were (and are) crucial for the label’s evolution during the years are featured here: Doro, U.D.O., Fear Factory, Evergrey, Avantasia, Rhapsody Of Fire, Danzig, Leaves’ Eyes, Edguy, Destruction, Masterplan, D-A-D, Ministry and many more.

Two brand new, previously unreleased songs by Iron Mask and Eden’s Curse perfectly round off this extensive release, which comes up with a total of 52 tracks on 3 CDs. More...

The Metal Voice recently conducted an interview with Krokus vocalist Marc Storace, in which he talks about the release of Krokus' new album "Dirty Dynamite," the group's back catalog, and tour dates.

Marc Storace also responds to Dee Snider of Twisted Sister's negative comments about Krokus written in Snider's book "Shut Up and Give Me the Mic." Check out the video below. Krokus was covered in a recent edition of Sunday Old School, which can be read right here.

When most people think of metal music from Switzerland, they almost immediately think of Celtic Frost or Coroner . But the home of tax dodgers’ bank accounts also hosts of the best balls out, hard rock bands to ever emerge from Europe in the form of Krokus. Krokus were formed in the Swiss city of Solothurn in 1975, initially as a progressive rock outfit and released their self-titled debut album in 1976, which was limited to only 560 copies and was never re-released. After witnessing an AC/DC concert, the band decided to abandon their prog style and opted for a more hard rock approach, leading bass player Chris von Rohr to take over the position of lead singer. This new, harder incarnation of the group proved to be a success in Switzerland, though their subsequent albums, "To You All" and "Painkiller" (released in some countries as, "Pay It In Metal") were critically panned by some reviewers. The band soon realised that von Rohr would have to step down from the mic as he was unable to reach the vocal standards they had hoped. He returned to his former position as bass player while Malta native, Marc Storace, formerly of TEA and Eazy Money entered the fray as their new singer.

Storace’s recording debut came in the form of the 1980 album, "Metal Rendez-vous," which was met with a mixed reaction critically, but found favour amongst many rock fans over the world, particularly in the United Kingdom where the song, "Heatstrokes" topped the heavy metal charts. This was also the first time the band received much attention from the United States and the success of the album resulted in it being certified triple platinum in their home country. They followed, "Metal Renez-vous" the next year with, "Hardware" which received negative reviews and was unable to achieve the commercial success of it’s predecessor, reaching only Gold status in Switzerland. However, it did see the band enter the charts in the United States, Great Britain, Sweden, Germany and Austria, where it peaked at number sixteen. The record also featured some songs which would go on to become fan favourites such as, "Easy Rocker" and "Rock City." More...

Krokus will be releasing new album "Dirty Dynamite" on March 5th via The End Records. The cover artwork and track listing are available below, and The End Records also issued the following press release:

"For almost 40 years now, Krokus has stood for high-quality, honest-to-goodness, hand-made power rock. No other Swiss rock band sells albums and its back catalogue worldwide like Krokus. The band has already sold over 14 million records, toured the world, and received gold and platinum discs in the USA and Canada. The milestones in their rock career are dotted around the world: from Australia and the USA to Mexico, Russia, Japan, and China.

"But it hasn't all been one long high: death, sickness, and internal strife have pushed the band to the brink of collapse. The story of Krokus is like no other. Dotted with highs and lows, sell-out stadium concerts and sweaty club gigs, these five musketeers of rock have outlasted trends and survived treacherous US managers, tough splits, bad deals, shady lawyers, drugs, awful fast food, endless bus trips, disco, grunge, grotesque record companies, and double-dealing advisors. More...

Guitarist Fernando Von Arb of the Swiss hard rock act Krokus has announced that drummer Freddy Steady has left the band. Fernando commented on the situation by saying:

"The split was not of personal nature but solely a professional decision. Freddy concluded that he really wanted to play music just for fun in small clubs rather than conquering the world, playing arenas on huge stages with pyro props, etc. Krokus was always known to play large venues worldwide.

"When we get together, compose new songs and play them live we always think big — with a vision on an international level. That sets us apart from many other Swiss bands. Our albums are sold worldwide; then and now."

During a lazy Sunday I found myself catching up on previously recorded episodes of Bored to Death when much to my delight I discovered a couple Metal Mania episodes on queue. Here’s what I found:

In Kiss’s video for “Rock and Roll all Nite,” I wonder what was so bad that the girl coming down the stairs needed her eyes blacked out like they do on the show Cops. Also, is there someplace we can put all of the eighties brick-sized cell phones for display? I would definitely go to the Pre-2K Cell Phone Hall of Fame (maybe located in Indiana?) to see the phone Gene Simmons has while sitting on his throne in this video as well as the one used by Zack Morris on Saved by the Bell. More...

Swiss hard rock/heavy metallers Krokus have issued the following statement in regards to the passing of Gotthard vocalist Steve Lee.

Krokus commented by saying:

"Krokus and management would like to extend our sincere condolences to Steve Lee's family as well as to the band Gotthard.

"Chris Von Rohr produced many of the Gotthard albums during his hiatus from Krokus and helped them gain 'platinum' award status multiple times.

"Marc Storace recorded a Queen medley with Steve many years ago for one of the most popular Swiss TV shows. 'Steve was a kind and friendly person to be or work with. He left us too early, but his remarkable voice will live on in the songs he so passionately sang. Rest in peace, Marc.'

"Jan Bayati of German management company Bottom Row Productions not only manages Krokus but also managed Gotthard from 1996 through 2002 and since June of this year again. Representing both bands, Mr. Bayati wishes Steve's family strength in this difficult time. 'I still can't believe it, what a tragedy.'"

Recent news of Ratt canceling their European tour due to Stephen Pearcy needing a hernia operation confirms what the lead singer has been hinting at for years, he really is doing the heavy lifting for this band…

SpikeTV aired their annual Guys Choice Awards this past week, awarding Ozzy Osbourne with the Literary Achievement award for his autobiography. In other rumored news, Ozzy will receive be receiving an honorary Medical Degree in Pharmaceuticals for his consistent stoned performance on The Osbournes… More...

Swiss heavy metal veterans Krokus has posted their new music video online for the song, "Too Hot." You can check it out below. The song comes from the group's latest studio album, "Hoodoo" which is available now. More...

Long anticipated and now officially confirmed: KROKUS is back in its original formation. Marc Storace (vocals), Fernando Von Arb (guitar), Chris Von Rohr (bass) and Freddy Steady (drums) are rocking together again. The band’s greatest success internationally happened in the early '80’s with this line-up. Up to today Krokus is still the biggest rock export Switzerland ever had.

According to a band update, "On August 2nd, the 'originals' are playing the only concert planned for 2008 in their native Switzerland. Fasten your seatbelts, because on that date Krokus will rock the Stade De Suisse stadium in Bern. Afterwards the band will work on their comeback album, slated to be released in middle of 2009. The anticipation will be as big as the one for their first concert. Be part of history in the making and join us on August 2nd!"

Canuck hard rock legends HELIX are the latest act confirmed for the Javelina Harley Davidson Festival which is being held on July 11th and 12th in Boerne, TX. Confirmed acts also include: Y&T, KROKUS, SKID ROW, and L.A. GUNS. More acts will be announced soon.

Peter Waelti from the KROKUS online team has issued the following year-end update:

"As 2007 comes to an end, we reflect back to this year with all the highlights that you were a big part of. And simultaneously we look forward to a rocking 2008.

Krokus finished the most extensive European Tour in the band’s 30-year history. Whether as “special guest” of HAMMERFALL or headlining ourselves, we had the pleasure to play for you and get to know you after the concerts. Thanks to you we earned a Gold Record Award for our latest release Hellraiser. And we look forward to do some more hellraisin’ in the USA this coming summer.

The band very much appreciates your loyalty and enthusiasm with which you embrace us. We are very thankful to you and can’t wait to see you again in 2008 sometime on a stage nearby."

The official web site of the veteran Swiss hard rock band KROKUS has been updated with the following message:

"As previously reported, the 'classic' [KROKUS] line-up minus Tommy Kiefer performed a playback medley for the incredibly popular six-part Swiss TV series 'Greatest Swiss Hits Of All Time' ['Die grössten Schweizer Hits']. The medley consisted of the songs 'Tokyo Nights', 'Bedside Radio' and 'Heatstrokes', all originally released on KROKUS' first album featuring 'the voice' Marc Storace. That album ('Metal Rendez-Vous') put KROKUS on the map internationally.

"During the Swiss TV show, the [KROKUS] musicians, much to their surprise, were presented by BMG (record label) with the 'diamond record award' for overall record sales in Switzerland during their tenure with the label (mainly in the '80s). This is an extremely rare award to be handed out. To put this into perspective, the 'diamond record award' equals receiving 40 'gold record awards' or 20 'platinum record awards' in comparison.

"Now 'Bedside Radio', originally released in November of 1979 as a single in Switzerland, is back in the 'Swiss Hitparade' ohart (equivalent to the U.S. Billboard chart). It shot from zero to #58 immediately in its first week after the broadcast.

"While the nostalgic fans got their three-minute and 45-second fix, the current line-up consisting of Marc Storace, Mandy Meyer, Dominique Favez, Tony Castell and Stefan Schwarzmann are working on new song material for their follow-up album to 'Hellraiser'. The 'Hellraiser Tour', in support of the current album, started in 2006 and is still going… and going… and going (you get the picture) with two more concerts in mid-December. When it's all said and done, the 'Hellraiser Tour' will be the most extensive European tour KROKUS ever has performed in their 30-plus-year band history. Another milestone for KROKUS!"

KROKUS is one of the first confirmed bands for next year's Rocklahoma festival, which will be held July 11-13, 2008 at the Catch The Fever Festival Grounds, four miles north of Pryor, Oklahoma. KROKUS' participation in the event was announced on November 19 by the festival's organizers, Catch the Fever Music Festival, via KMOD radio in Tulsa. More...

According to Pollstar, veteran all-female hard rockers VIXEN have been confirmed for next year's Rocklahoma festival, which will be held July 11-13, 2008 at the Catch The Fever Festival Grounds, four miles north of Pryor, Oklahoma. Also scheduled to appear is Switzerland's KROKUS, whose participation in the event was announced on Monday (November 19) by the festival's organizers, Catch the Fever Music Festival, via KMOD radio in Tulsa.

Tickets for Rocklahoma 2008 went on sale to the general public on October 1. Over fifty percent of the VIP seats have been renewed making the remaining seats in great demand. The public is encouraged to get their VIP seats early as they are becoming more limited.

Rocklahoma will re-create the Hollywood scene of the Eighties with help from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Whisky A Go Go and the famed Rainbow Bar and Grill, both on West Hollywood's Sunset Blvd.

"The Eighties was a magical moment in regards to the history of rock and roll as many of the hottest bands at that time got their start right there on Sunset Blvd.," said Mark Nuessle, general manager of the Catch the Fever Music Festival.

Swiss hard rockers KROKUS are the first confirmed band for next year's Rocklahoma festival, which will be held July 11-13, 2008 at the Catch The Fever Festival Grounds, four miles north of Pryor, Oklahoma. KROKUS' participation in the event was announced on Monday (November 19) by the festival's organizers, Catch the Fever Music Festival, via KMOD radio in Tulsa.

Tickets for Rocklahoma 2008 went on sale to the general public on October 1. Over fifty percent of the VIP seats have been renewed making the remaining seats in great demand. The public is encouraged to get their VIP seats early as they are becoming more limited.

Rocklahoma will re-create the Hollywood scene of the Eighties with help from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Whisky A Go Go and the famed Rainbow Bar and Grill, both on West Hollywood's Sunset Blvd.

"The Eighties was a magical moment in regards to the history of rock and roll as many of the hottest bands at that time got their start right there on Sunset Blvd.," said Mark Nuessle, general manager of the Catch the Fever Music Festival.

It has now been confirmed that founding members of the legendary Swiss hard rock band KROKUS will reunite with vocalist Marc Storace for an appearance on a TV show honoring the greatest Swiss songs of all time. The "Die grössten Schweizer Hits" program will feature KROKUS performing a medley of the tracks "Tokyo Nights", "Bedside Radio" and "Heatstrokes" on November 18. KROKUS' lineup for the appearance will include Storace, Chris Von Rohr (bass), Freddy Steady (drums) and Fernando Von Arb (guitar).

KROKUS' latest album, "Hellraiser", which was recorded with producer Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69), entered the Swiss album chart at position No. 2.

Drummer Stefan Schwarzmann (KROKUS, ACCEPT, ex-HELLOWEEN) has moved from his native Germany to Switzerland in order to be more closely involved in KROKUS' current songwriting/recording activities.

Last month Stefan traveled to Hannover and took part in studio recordings by two different projects: MOON'DOC (also featuring Herman Frank of ACCEPT/VICTORY fame) and Rene Thomson's RUTHLESS, which is set to feature lots of guest musicians.

KROKUS' latest album, "Hellraiser", which was recorded with producer Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69), entered the Swiss album chart at position No. 2.